Panthers' Xavier Legette creating NFL training camp consistency

Panthers’ Xavier Legette creating NFL training camp consistency originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. –  Looking up into the Sunday morning mist, Xavier Legette targeted the long, high-arching pass by quarterback Bryce Young. The Carolina Panthers wide receiver fought off tight coverage to secure the touchdown pass while being forced to the ground by reserve cornerback Robert Rochelle.

The far-side referee signaled a score, but the ball appeared to touch the ground as Legette rolled over on the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium. He quickly scooped up the loose ball and craddled it.

Even if regular-season instant replay had overturned the play, Legette’s strong offseason performances are carrying over into the opening three NFL training camp practices.

On Sunday, Panthers coach Dave Canales said Legette shone – in the rain – executing at least three big-play receptions.

“Yeah, just a great carryover from the spring,” Canales told reporters after practice. “At this point now, X knows the system. That’s the cool part, as we bring free agents, as we bring rookies in, they see X, and he knows how to do it all, whether it’s in the base game plan, third downs, nuances in the red zone, all the different things.

“He knows how to do it, but just matching it with his consistency. He looks fast, he looks powerful. He’s having a great camp so far, as we get started, and I’m excited to see where he goes from here.”

Panthers’ Xavier Legette making training-camp strides

After two inconsistent campaigns, Legette entered training camp in a fight to earn the WR3 role over speedy rookie Chris Brazzell II. Last season, after several ill-timed drops and mental miscues, Legette started to lose snaps during the second half of the season.

While logging nearly 70 percent of the offensive snaps in 2025, the 2024 first-round draft choice finished with 35 receptions for 363 yards and three touchdowns. He registered a pedestrian 54.7 percent catch rate and a 52.6 PFF.com overall grade, which ranked No. 79 out of 81 qualified wideouts.

Meanwhile, Tetairoa McMillan established himself as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Jalen Coker emerged as a productive WR2 and earned a three-year contract extension. After drafting speedster Chris Brazzell II and signing free-agent John Metchie III, the Panthers appeared willing to pressure Legette into playing up to his draft status.

MORE: Panthers’ Xavier Legette faces training camp challenge from Chris Brazzell II

League insiders suggested the ex-South Carolina standout could be traded – or released.

With Canales’ constant backing, Legette likely is staying put. At least for now.

Will he earn a fifth season on his rookie deal?

To do so, he’ll need to continue to run routes like the one he did during a 7-on-7 drill Sunday. Darting over the middle, the much-maligned receiver hauled in an on-the-run pass from Young. The Panthers’ defense dominated the first two days of training camp. The offense, sparked by Legette, stopped the skid at the end of the first week of summer workouts.

“The defense was pretty dominant th first two days, but a good response by Bryce and the guys,” Canales said.

Even if Legette dropped the touchdown pass on the “go” route against Rochelle.

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